Lakers vs. Nuggets Prediction: NBA Odds, Point Spread
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Charlie Grant
It’s a battle between first and second in the Western Conference when Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers visit Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night. The Nuggets hope to shorten the Lakers’ lead in the standings in both sides’ final contest before the All-Star break.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Lakers remain the top dogs in the Western Conference at 40-12 – although they have been less of a sure thing for their backers in recent weeks. They’re just 4-6 against the spread over their last 10 games – including outright losses at home to the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers.
Los Angeles is coming off a 125-100 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. It was the fourth time in the last five games the Lakers have scored 125 or more points, but the Over is just 3-2 during that same five-game period.
The Purple and Gold are seventh in the league in points per game at 114.6 and sixth in points against per at 107.2. They own the second best net rating – outscoring their opponents by 7.3 points per 100 possessions.
Sports Interaction lists the Lakers (+300) as the second favourites to win the NBA championship behind the Milwaukee Bucks at +250. That means a $100 bet on the Lakers would pay $300 if they earned the ticker tape parade this spring.
The Nuggets are playing some of their best basketball of the season. They’re 8-2 (SU and ATS) over their last 10 games and unbeaten in their last four. The club is coming off a 127-120 win and cover against the Spurs on Sunday.
This will be the third meeting between these two sides this season with the away team securing victory in each of the previous contests.
Los Angeles Lakers
The offensive burden is falling more and more on the shoulders of All-Star Anthony Davis. The big man has led the Lakers in scoring in six of their last seven games. The odd thing is the Lakers are faring better when Davis is on the pine than when he’s on the floor.
LA outscores its opponents by 9.1 points without Davis in on the action and 6.0 points when he is on the court. Weird.
Denver Nuggets
It’s fair to say Nikola Jokic is balling this month. The Serbian centre is averaging 28 points, 12.2 rebounds and 9.8 assists in five games this February. He hit a game-winning shot against the Jazz in a contest the Nuggets won outright as 10-point road underdogs, and he was awarded his second career All-Star selection. Not a bad month at all for Mr. Jokic.